Non Verbal Communications

1) Discuss how communication is affected by the bodies of the people involved.

Communication is affected in many different ways by the bodies of the people involved; anything from appearance, attractiveness, body shape, height, color, smell and even hair. Knapp, Hall and Horgan (2013) take the stance that people place a very high importance on appearance and people ‘think’ they are learning things from a person’s appearance (p.154). Appearance of a person is the main way a person’s body affects communication because it is what another will base their reactions on, all of the different attributes that are encompassed into the meaning of appearance give out queues from one’s body. “We take looks as indicators of a person’s background, character, personality, talents and likely future behavior” (Knapp, et al., 2013, p. 154).

Attractiveness plays a huge role in how communication is affected, based on one’s perceived attractiveness can determine how an interaction will take place or is handled. Knapp, et al. (2013) suggests that attractiveness “plays an influential role in determining responses for a broad range of interpersonal encounters” (p.154). This appears to be true in a lot of instances such as more attractive children being favored by teachers and being perceived as brighter than their counterparts - children seen as less attractive (Knapp, et al., 2013, p. 155). Attractiveness is also how many of us end up with our significant other or lack thereof. If one does not find another attractive it is not likely that they would seek them out for a relationship. While it is not all about the attraction of another, it is there to a certain extent. How important this is in the matter is relative and will vary depending on age and the type of relationship according to Knapp, et al (2013, p. 158). Attractiveness also can come into play when being considered for a job, as a more attractive person may appear more qualified for a position than they actually are due to...